Nine Dotshttp://nine-dot.co.za
We believe in big ideasSat, 23 Sep 2017 20:21:32 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8Does Location Make a Difference?http://nine-dot.co.za/2016/01/26/does-location-make-a-difference/
http://nine-dot.co.za/2016/01/26/does-location-make-a-difference/#respondTue, 26 Jan 2016 07:50:01 +0000http://nine-dot.co.za/?p=54 Read more…]]>Exhibitions & conventions are one of the most effective ways to meet new clients and reconnect with current customers. That’s one reason they’ve been around so long. But just showing up at an event with a fabulous new display isn’t enough to guarantee results. You also need to get noticed. Whether you’re an old pro at trade show exhibiting or new to the game, it never hurts to rethink the strategies you’re using to draw traffic to your booth and look for new ways to make the most of your trade show exhibits.

Location is important for your stand

Just like real estate, getting traffic to your exhibition stand and being visible on the floor comes down to “location, location, location.” You might think you’re stuck with the booth spot you’ve been assigned, and this may be true for the current year, but it’s never too early to think about the future. Pay attention to the layout of the exhibit hall and how the visitors make the rounds. You’ll notice natural congregation spots or resting points. You’ll also notice areas that are out of the way, inconvenient or blocked by physical structures like columns or supports. Keep these in mind or take notes for the following year. It’s never too early to start evaluating your participation at an expo, even if the event is still going on.

Positioning your exhibition stand for Maximum exposure

When the time comes to choose your booth location for the next year, remember what you’ve learned about the exhibit hall and the attendees’ behavior, then choose a booth location that maximizes your exposure. Exhibition stands near an entryway are going to get noticed first. If you can’t find a spot there, get in the next aisle over or at the end of an aisle.

Think about where the hot spots of activity will be. Are there restrooms, staircases and elevators, coffee or snack stations, charging stations or new product displays? Any of these will be a draw and are sure to attract regular traffic your way. If you’re unfamiliar with the floor plan, ask event management where these things will be located and identify any unspecified items on the map. There may be structures that cannot be moved that will affect your visibility.

Still no luck? Think about your competition. Would it be beneficial to be located near them or further away from them? Choose accordingly. If you know which exhibitors tend to be big draws every year, get a spot close to them and reap the rewards of being their neighbor.

If you’re overwhelmed just looking at the floor plan, start at the entrance point or another area that gets a ton of foot traffic. Draw a triangle out from there and try to get a booth spot inside the triangle or as close to it as possible. This will eliminate much of the floor plan from your consideration, making it easier to digest and make a decision with the added bonus of putting you in a busy zone on the floor.

Oh, and don’t assume you’re stuck with your booth spot this year. If you’re unhappy with it, talk to the event management staff. You never know if there’s been a no-show or a last-minute cancellation that opens up a better booth location. Most exhibition managers will be willing to let you switch booths. It’s in their best interests to keep you happy and coming back to their event for years to come.

]]>http://nine-dot.co.za/2016/01/26/does-location-make-a-difference/feed/0Getting What You Wanthttp://nine-dot.co.za/2016/01/26/getting-what-you-want/
http://nine-dot.co.za/2016/01/26/getting-what-you-want/#respondTue, 26 Jan 2016 07:48:31 +0000http://nine-dot.co.za/?p=52 Read more…]]>5 Must-do’s to ensure you get the best possible exhibition stand for your brand, within your budget.

There are disaster stories about virtually everything and stand design is no exception. So how do you avoid ending up playing the lead role in the next exhibition stand horror? According to veteran exhibit designers it’s really not that difficult…

Be upfront with your designer about your budget. Despite any pre-conceived notions you may have, a limited budget does not mean limited creativity, in fact it often takes more creativity to stick to a budget and still achieve the desired results. Also, your stand designer is not going to deplete every cent of your budget simply because you have made the funds available. An exhibition stand designer’s job is to utilise your funds in the best possible way to achieve the best possible result, their aim is not to suck you dry. Quite the opposite in fact, their aim is to help you flourish.

Do not procrastinate. This is the most common mistake in the exhibition stand industry. Building a unique, eye catching, crowd stopping exhibition stand takes time. Do not wait until the last minute to brief your designer and get the creative process going. “Hurry up!” is to a designer as blasphemy is to a priest. If you know you have an exhibition coming up and you need a stand, the sooner you let your designer know, the better.

Know your brand, define it clearly and pass the message on. According to marketing guru and author Seth Godin, “A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories, and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.” If your stand designer does not fully and clearly understand your brand how is s/he going to fully and clearly define your brand in the form of an exhibition stand? It is just not possible. Make sure you provide your designer with your logo, colors, typography, and marketing materials as a starting point. Then tell your designer more about your brand, try to answer questions like: what makes you different from your competitors, how do your customers view your brand, who are your customers, what are you trying to convey through your exhibition stand. All of this information will help your designer to achieve the best possible result.

Set Objectives. Try to set clear, measurable objectives that answer the following question as clearly as possible, “What would define a successful end result exhibition stand for you?” Remember why you’re creating a stand and what you want the stand to acheive.

Stay involved. The more you communicate with your designer the greater your chances of getting what you want out of an exhibition stand. Check in frequently and make small changes as needed rather then waiting until the end and then having to change everything.

And there you have it. 5 simple but incredibly vital steps to getting an amazing exhibition stand.

Appropriate and engaging – ensure that every aspect of your exhibition stand from the design and layout to the customer experience is appropriate and engaging.

Form follows function – lest we forget!

Unique – would the stand easily be used by another brand or for another product? If so, change your design. It needs to be as unique as a finger print.

Create brand ambassadors through memorable experiences – a positive long-lasting impression on a client will create a brand ambassador who will spread the brand message and word-of-mouth advertising is invaluable.

Seconds – that’s all it takes for a truly great exhibit design to capture an audience and implant a brand idea.

Simple, smart architecture – less is often more in exhibition stand design, it gives the viewer the oppurtunity to focus on key areas of interest that convey the brand message.

STOP traffic – an exhibition stand is like an advert, design it that way.

Size and budget must not limit creativity.

The exhibit is a tool – one of many tools used at an ehibition or conference, if your tools don’t extend your brand to the target audience, they have failed.

Home away from home – create an inviting environment where clients want to linger.